KR20250011650A - A device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a die press - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a die press, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a pitch circle of a rotor which is driven to rotate about a first rotational axis. The device comprises a second rotor rotatable about a second rotational axis. The second rotor also has at least one object pick-up device, the at least one object pick-up device comprising holding means enabling the pick-up, transport and delivery of the at least one object. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object pick-up device, so that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least a rotational angular range of the second rotor.

Description

A device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a die press

The present invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret which is driven to rotate about a first rotational axis. The device comprises a second turret which is rotatable about a second rotational axis. The second turret also presents at least one object holder, the at least one object holder comprising holding means by which the at least one object can be picked up, transported and released. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the at least one object holder, so that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least a rotational angular range of the second turret.

The present invention also relates to a system comprising a tableting machine and the above-described device.

The present invention relates to the field of tablet presses, and more particularly to rotary tablet presses, which are used for producing tablets or pellets in large quantities from powdered materials in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industries or in the food industry.

A rotary press is known to have a turret carrying a plurality of punch pairs, each of which is formed by an upper punch and a lower punch which are adjustable relative to each other. The turret includes a die table having die openings provided at regular intervals on a reference circle, each having a sleeve-shaped insert known as a die. The material to be pressed is charged into these dies or die openings by means of a charging device.

When a pair of punches enters the filled die or die opening area due to the rotation of the turret, the two punches are moved towards each other by the control cam and enter the compression roller station area. In the compression roller station, the punches are pressed against each other so that the material in the die opening is compressed into, for example, a tablet. When the pressing process is completed, both punches are moved upwards and the tablet is ejected from the die opening or die. The compression force is transmitted to the compression tool via the compression roller. The compression tool is also referred to as the upper and lower punches.

It is also known to provide single-layer or multi-layer tablets having objects or cores, referred to as inserts. These cores or objects are individually fed into a die and pressed into a medium to be pressed, in particular a powder, or coated thereby. It is important to produce such tablets or pellets in a rotary tableting machine, in which the cores or objects are fed into the die individually and in a defined manner, so that they can advantageously be positioned at a desired position, preferably in the center of the die.

In this connection, there is a solution having a rotary insertion device in which the circular path of the die and the insertion device partially overlap and thus intersect at exactly two points. With the help of a complex (and error-prone) control system, the aim is to eject the object to be inserted as quickly as possible at exactly one of the intersection points. For example, publications DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 disclose such a rotary insertion device, in which a core is picked up from a transport wheel by a gripper arm and inserted into the die.

Furthermore, solutions with rotary insertion devices are known from the prior art, such as for example from DE 38 19 821 C2, wherein the gripper arm is arranged to move radially in a turret of the insertion device and can thus follow a curved path of the die over a limited angle of rotation by means of cam control or engagement in the turret. However, this leads to differences in the path speeds of the inserter and the die, so that despite the tracking path of the gripper arm, a truly synchronous operation is impossible, and the position of the inserted object is largely determined by the ejection time.

DE 40 25 484 C1 also discloses an insertion device which is integrated into the turret of a rotary press. In particular, a radial arm is arranged directly in the drive turret of the rotary press above the die table and rotates synchronously with the die assigned to it. The radial arm can also be retracted and extended (radially) in the turret and can pick up objects and transfer them to the die. Such an insertion device allows for a small construction volume and an accurate and reproducible positioning of objects within the die, but its relatively complex design regularly causes malfunctions. Furthermore, conventional rotary presses cannot be easily retrofitted with such an insertion device.

Furthermore, DE 103 21 754 B4 discloses positioning cores or objects on a continuous conveyor, guiding the continuous conveyor over a reference circle of a turret of a tablet press and forcing them into a die via the upper punch of the tablet press. However, transporting cores or objects over a reference circle of a turret has the disadvantage that complex measures are required for positioning the core or object and for synchronizing the movement of the core or object and the die.

DE 38 19 821 A discloses a rotary tablet press having a rotating die table and a transfer device. A plurality of head sections having transfer heads are mounted on radial arms on the transfer device, which are firmly screwed into a turret. The transfer heads have suction pipes and a vacuum device for receiving and releasing cores. The radial arms consist of vertical and horizontal cylinder-piston units which can be operated independently of one another. The cores are transported via the feed device into the receiving section of the transfer device. The radial arms move downwards via the vertical cylinder piston, and the transfer head picks up the cores via negative pressure. The horizontal cylinder piston then moves radially outwards and, as soon as it reaches the die, the head sections open into the head receiving grooves of the guide ring of the die table, so that the head guide ring mechanically guides the transfer heads in a force-controlled manner, so that the reference circles of the die table and the transfer device overlap. DE 38 19 821 A discloses in particular the radial controllability of the transfer heads. In this way, the cores are placed in the die and pressed with powder. By pressing the core into the die, the core is inserted in the center position without radial movement. Synchronization of the travel path of the die and the travel path of the transfer head is achieved in particular by the mutual engagement of the head receiving grooves of the head guide ring of the die table with the head part or the transfer head. Due to the radial movement and engagement in the turret, the head part or the transfer head must follow the curved path of the die over a limited rotation angle. However, there is room for improvement with regard to the accuracy of the core positioning.

JP 2019 135062 A also discloses a compacting device comprising a conveyor belt, a feeding device and a tablet press. The conveyor belt preferably transports electronic chips to the feeding device, which transports them to the tablet press. There, the chips are inserted into a die and pressed with powder. The feeding device is designed as a closed loop, its shape being adapted to the die radius in the transport area. A plurality of gripping devices are attached to the feeder, which have movable gripper fingers for picking up and releasing the chips. The closing and opening of the gripper fingers is mechanically force-controlled via corresponding guide cams. The feeding device or the gripping device is driven by the rotary movement of the turret of the tablet press. For this purpose, a toothed wheel transmission device is provided, the teeth of which are engaged with the upper roller of the gripping device.

Therefore, with respect to the known solutions, it would be desirable to improve upon them in terms of positional accuracy and performance (speed), while at the same time omitting complex control systems and reducing vulnerability to errors.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a die press, which enables accurate or precise insertion of at least one object into a continuously rotating turret of the die press, with a high level of repeatability and reliability even at high turret speeds.

The object according to the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a die press, wherein at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate about a first rotational axis,

- The device comprises a second turret rotatable about a second rotational axis;

- The second turret comprises at least one object holder, and the at least one object holder comprises a holding means enabling at least one object to be picked up, carried and released;

The movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the at least one object holder, so that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least a rotational angular range of the second turret.

In particular, the device according to the invention enables objects to be separated, picked up and precisely inserted into a die of a rotary press with a continuously rotating turret. In contrast to the prior art, the proposed device enables the movement path of the object to advantageously overlap with the movement path of the die over a wide time range during the insertion process, and in particular the object can also be moved synchronously with the die. In other words, the movement paths do not overlap primarily at two points, as was the case previously, but over a longer distance. The fact that the object can advantageously be guided synchronously with the die means that the object can be inserted into the die at any point along the overlapping path. The positioning accuracy is therefore less dependent on the insertion or release time of the object. This leads, among other things, to a higher level of repeatability and reliability, even at high speeds.

As described above, the insertion device allows radial movement of the object in relation to the rotational movement of the turret included in the insertion device, and it is known that the movement paths of the object and the die may thereby overlap over a distance, but this leads to a difference in the path velocities of the object and the die. Therefore, synchronous operation is impossible. In addition to the radial controllability of the object, it has been shown that tangential controllability of the object in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret can overcome this problem. By controlling the object in the tangential direction, the path speed of the object can be advantageously continuously adjusted so that the object can be moved synchronously with the die.

Advantageously, a conventional rotary tablet press, which is designed in particular for pressing single-layer or multi-layer tablets, can be expanded in a simple manner with a device according to the invention, which makes it possible to press cores or objects into the pellets to be produced. It is understood that at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret which is driven to rotate around a first rotational axis in the rotary tablet press, while the device comprises a second turret which rotates around a second rotational axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis of the first turret (i.e. the turret of the press machine) is arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second turret (i.e. the turret of the device according to the invention). In this connection, the second turret can advantageously be positioned subsequently in such a way that the device according to the invention can insert at least one object into at least one die. The device according to the invention can therefore preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary press machine, preferably having to be adjusted only once. For this purpose, the device according to the invention should preferably be moved radially onto the turret of the press machine until the object holder or the object is approximately aligned with the reference circle on which the die is arranged. The device according to the invention is advantageously "robust" with respect to the tolerances of the positioning. Furthermore, additional devices for separating the objects to be inserted are also no longer necessary; this function is implemented by the proposed device.

For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the turret is a rotating component that rotates about an axis of rotation so that a component fixed to the turret moves in a circular path. It is preferred that at least one die is present on a reference circle of the turret that is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. Thus, the die rotates in a circular path around the axis of rotation of the first turret. Thus, it is preferred that the path of movement of the die is circular. On the other hand, the object is held by the object holder, which is in turn mounted on the second turret. Thus, it is also preferred that the object rotates about the second axis of rotation and moves in a circular path without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or the object.

In prior art insertion devices including a turret but without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or the object, the intersection of two circular paths (object/die) is now selected to "eject" the object into the die. In this context, the inventors have recognized that this procedure does not allow for accurate positioning of the object. In contrast, since the object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the object holder, the movement path of the object can be adjusted to coincide with the movement path of the die, and the object can also be moved synchronously with the die.

Preferably, the adjustment of the movement path by the object occurs in a range between the (virtual) intersection points where the object cannot be controlled radially and tangentially. This range can be described by the rotation angle of the second turret, i.e. the rotation angle range of the second turret.

Therefore, the movement path of the object is adjusted to the path of the die by the tangential and radial movements of the individual object holders in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret along the circular path. Therefore, at the point where the object holder is connected to the second turret, it is desirable that the object holder also moves in a circular path. However, due to the radial and tangential controllability of the individual object holders, this circular movement path can be adjusted to the object held by the holding means, so that the object can also move synchronously with the die.

In the above cited JP 2019 135062 A it is also known to adjust the movement of the objects in the die path. However, instead of a second turret, this takes place via an insertion device comprising a feeding device set up as a closed loop, but not circular. In JP 2019 135062 the feeding device is also referred to as a rounded triangle, the lower side of which is adapted to the shape of the die table. Therefore, the gripping device of JP 2019 135062 which is installed on the feeding device itself does not move in a circular path. However, providing such a feeding device is more complex and requires a larger distance between the gripping devices provided on the feeding device. The solution according to the invention, in which a second turret is used, but the movement path of the objects can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the individual object holders, allows a simpler design and a more compact arrangement of the object holders. In addition to the more robust design of the device, the production efficiency can also be increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotational angular range of the second turret is preferably a travel range of the second turret, i.e. a rotational movement which the turret performs over a certain rotational angle. The rotational angular range of the second turret, over which the travel path of the object can mimic the travel path of the die by means of the tangential and radial deflections of the object holder, is preferably in a rotational angular range of <180°. In this way, the travel path of the die is mimicked by the object over at most half a rotation of the second turret.

For example, the object's travel path extends along a circular path within a rotation angle range of about 340° of the second turret. When the object comes into contact with the die's travel path, the object's travel path is changed radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second turret) and adjusted to the die's travel path, so that the object can be moved synchronously with the die. In the described example, the object's travel path can now follow the die's travel path over a rotation angle range of about 20° of the second turret. (See also FIG. 1)

The mimicry or adjustment of the movement path is preferably configured in such a way that the movement paths of the object and the die overlap over a certain time and distance range, and the object moves synchronously with the die. In this context, the center of the object and/or the center of gravity is preferably located at a certain height from the die, which is approximately positioned along the longitudinal axis of the die. It should be understood that the height may vary when the object is inserted. During this (relatively long) synchronous movement, the object can be inserted by lowering the object holder. It is not necessary to position the object by dropping it at a specific point as quickly as possible.

For the purposes of the present invention, the object is preferably a three-dimensional object having a size and a geometric configuration that allows the object to be embedded in the pellet, the volume of the pellet depending on the die, the material and the compression force. The object can therefore be regarded as the core of the pellet. Preferably, the core consists of a fixed component, the core consisting of a material or a material composition that is different from the material of the remainder of the pellet, for example. The object or core can also be a pre-compressed powder material. Such a pellet with a core is also referred to as a core tablet. In a further preferred embodiment, the object represents (as such) a liquid and/or gaseous medium surrounded by a solid shell. For example, in relation to a coated core tablet, this can be a liquid active ingredient encased in a solid that can be digested by humans.

There are no restrictions on the configuration of the object, as long as it can be inserted into the die of a tablet press, in particular a rotary tablet press, and compressed into a powder material. In another preferred embodiment, the object can also consist of a microchip. According to more recent technical developments, the microchip can be compressed as a core into the tablet and serve as an auxiliary tool for remote diagnostics after the patient has taken the corresponding tablet. The device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to insert very small microchips as objects into the die of a tablet press, whereby "smart" tablets can be produced. In particular, tablets with an integrated microchip, which can for example be less than 1 mm thick, can transmit a confirmation signal about the ingestion of the tablet, including the time of ingestion, to a receiver outside the patient's body, thereby enabling monitoring.

Preferably, the object exhibits a volume that allows the object to be embedded in a pellet in a conventional rotary press. The object preferably has a largest dimension of about 1 mm to 30 mm, and a smallest dimension of about 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The object is not limited to these dimensional values.

Furthermore, the second turret preferably comprises at least one object holder. The object holder preferably rotates together with the second turret and can pick up objects from the object storage. The object holder can then transport the objects over substantially half a rotation of the second turret and, finally, preferably, release the objects into at least one die. The object holder and the at least one die as well as the two turrets are adjusted in such a way that the objects can be inserted into the dies at a precise position (in particular through the radial and tangential controllability of the objects or the object holder). The object storage can be configured as a container or can also comprise a feeding system such as a conveyor belt and/or a transfer wheel. With respect to the second turret, the object storage is preferably positioned approximately opposite the position at which the objects are introduced into the at least one die, such that the object holder holds or transports the objects over approximately a 180° rotation of the second turret. The object holder is preferably configured to individually pick up objects and to provide them to the at least one die.

In a further preferred embodiment, the object holder preferably exhibits a holding means configured to pick up, hold and/or release an object. The holding means is preferably configured to hold an object for transport over approximately half a rotation of the second turret and to release the object into at least one die in a region where the travel path of the object intersects the travel path of the die. Preferably, the holding means can be activated/controlled sufficiently fast to be able to pick up an object at a fixed position even at high rotational speeds of the second turret. Furthermore, it is preferred that the holding means can apply or release a holding force within, for example, a few milliseconds, so that an object can be picked up from the object storage or released into the die without any disadvantageous latency.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turret comprises a coupling element, the coupling element being:

- Initiating and/or ensuring the rotational movement of the second turret through active contact with the driving first turret;

- configured to mechanically and forcefully control the movement path of at least one object through at least one object holder over at least a rotational angle range of the second turret.

The presence of a coupling element brings with it special advantages. The coupling element advantageously combines two functions in one component, namely a) the function of ensuring or initiating the rotational movement of the second turret, and b) the function of influencing the movement path of the object. The fact that the coupling element is preferably in active contact with the driving first turret (which is ensured by the rotational movement of the second turret) means that the device according to the invention advantageously does not require its own drive. This means, among other things, that no complex synchronization of the drive of the device and the drive of the pressing machine is necessary. Furthermore, by omitting a separate drive, the device for inserting the object into the die becomes particularly lightweight and therefore easier to transport and particularly flexible in various pressing machines. Furthermore, since the coupling element is configured to simultaneously mechanically force-control the movement path of the object through the object holder, a complex control arrangement of the object holder can be omitted. Needless to say, the number of components used is also reduced.

For the purposes of the present invention, a coupling element is a component or assembly which establishes a connection in the broadest sense between two components (here: for example between a first turret and a second turret). The coupling element can preferably be in (temporarily) mechanical contact with both components, thereby creating a mechanical connection. Preferably, the connection can also be a non-contact connection, whereby only the effect is transmitted, as for example a magnet can influence another component without establishing a mechanical connection. In particular, it is preferred that this is an active connection, whereby the coupling element preferably comes into active contact with the components. Thus, the coupling element enables an interaction (mechanical or otherwise) between the two components. In order to ensure a rotational movement of the second turret, the coupling element is preferably in active contact with the first turret, which is included in the press machine and represents a drive device. For example, the active contact is achieved by mechanically connecting the coupling element with an element of the first turret. The coupling element may take the form of a transmission device having elements such as, but not limited to, a gear wheel, a cam element, a connecting rod, a load link, a belt, a chain, etc., which transmit the rotational movement of the first turret to the second turret.

When the first turret starts to rotate, the force is preferably transmitted to the coupling element, which in turn is transmitted to the second turret. This advantageously enables the second turret to also perform a rotational movement. The coupling element is preferably configured in such a way that little energy is lost through friction or deformation. Thus, the second turret can be set into a rotational movement via the coupling element, and can also maintain this rotational movement as long as the first turret of the press is rotating.

Furthermore, the coupling element is preferably configured to force-control the movement path of at least one object through the object holder. In this regard, the coupling element preferably represents means for establishing a mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical link between the coupling element and the object holder. The coupling element can influence the object holder via this link, in particular manipulating the movement path of the at least one object.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that at least one object holder is actively connected to the coupling element via a guide mechanism, the coupling element being capable of receiving a coupling movement via active contact with the first turret, the movement path of the at least one object being capable of being deflected in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e. radially and tangentially in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret via the at least one object holder and the guide mechanism in the form of a coupling movement. In particular, this configuration via the guide mechanism makes it possible to provide an effective and efficient device for controlling the movement path of the object with a small number of components. Via the guide mechanism, the movement of the coupling element, i.e. the coupling movement, directly influences the movement path of the object via the object holder. The guide mechanism establishes an interaction between the first turret, on which at least one die is arranged, and the movement path of the object via the coupling element.

Preferably, the coupling element can take on a coupling movement imposed on the coupling element by an active contact, such as engagement with the first turret. Due to the guiding mechanism, the coupling movement preferably has a direct effect on the object holder and thus also on the movement path of the object. In particular, the coupling element preferably determines the movement of the object holder and thereby the object and its movement. For example, the coupling element can experience a tangential and/or radial deflection, which deflection takes on a spatial direction that is directly, i.e. simultaneously, transmitted to the object holder.

For the purposes of the present invention, a guide mechanism is a component or assembly configured to transmit force and control an object holder or an object along a path of movement. In particular, the guide mechanism can transmit a coupling movement of a coupling element to the object holder, thereby influencing the path of movement of the object. The guide mechanism can preferably include (but is not limited to) hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and/or mechanical components.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member having a coupling head, the coupling member being mounted on one side of the second turret, the coupling member being aligned such that the coupling head points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first turret, by means of which the coupling head can engage with a component of the first turret such that a rotational movement of the first turret can be transmitted. This configuration of the coupling element is particularly simple in its design. The device preferably represents a plurality of synergistically interacting coupling elements or coupling members, which can engage with the components of the first turret to set the rotation of the second turret. Each coupling element preferably comes into temporary active contact with the first turret by mechanically picking up a component of the first turret over a rotational angle range, for example about 10° to 30°, during the rotation of the second turret. As a result of the engagement with the coupling element, a force is transmitted to the second turret, which causes the second turret to rotate by a certain amount. It is preferable that the coupling elements are in active contact with the components of the first turret in turn, such that each interaction between the components and the coupling elements applies a specific force to the second turret.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling element. The rod-shaped coupling element is particularly advantageous for use, since on the one hand it is particularly suitable for transmitting forces with as little loss as possible, and on the other hand, when mounted on one side with two degrees of freedom (tangentially pivotable and radially displaceable), a particularly uniform coupling is possible. The coupling element has a relatively high rigidity and is preferably made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. It is also advantageous to use a rod-shaped coupling element whose length can be adjusted. The adjustability allows the device according to the invention to be used in a variety of different presses, in particular presses with turrets of different sizes, and to be adapted to different machine-specific requirements.

According to the present invention, the coupling head is a component arranged at an end portion of a coupling member.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling member and the coupling head are preferably produced as an inseparable unit from a single component. In this context, it is preferred that the coupling member and the coupling head are manufactured from a material having particularly high rigidity, on the one hand, so that forces and torques can be transmitted without significant losses, and on the other hand, at least the surfaces are sufficiently ductile/elastic, so that no significant wear occurs in the press when the components of the turret are joined. Preferably, the coupling member and the coupling head are manufactured from a fibre-reinforced plastic.

In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling head can also be detachably connected to the coupling element, so that, depending on the component to be picked up, it can be replaced in the press, thus making it possible to use the device according to the invention in various presses. Furthermore, this also makes it particularly easy to replace a worn-out coupling head without having to replace the entire coupling element. In particular, the coupling head can represent a different type of material than the coupling element. A suitable material pairing between the coupling head and the component to be picked up in the press makes it possible to provide a particularly durable coupling element. For example, the coupling head can comprise a particularly elastic material, which as a result causes little wear when engaging with the component of the press, while the coupling element is advantageously designed to be particularly rigid in order to transmit movements and forces.

Preferably, the component picked up by the coupling element is an element mounted on the turret of the press machine. Accordingly, it is preferred that the component rotates around the axis of the turret in a circular path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling head comprises a fork, preferably having a shank diameter matching that of the lower punch of the first turret, such that the fork can receive the shank of the lower punch. The configuration of the coupling head as a fork makes it particularly advantageous for receiving and transmitting forces in the radial and tangential direction (related to the rotation of the second turret). In particular, the force received in the tangential direction generates a torque acting on the second turret and advantageously drives it.

For the purposes of the present invention, the fork is preferably a component comprising a rod-shaped element having an extension at one end. Preferably, the fork represents two extensions spaced apart from each other in such a way that the shank of the lower punch can be received. In a metaphorical sense, the fork may represent the configuration of a carving fork, with the extensions or prongs being spaced apart approximately as far apart as the shank diameter of the lower punch. (See also FIG. 2 or FIG. 3)

In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a gripper arm having a retaining element which is radially mounted on the second turret, the retaining element being preferably configured to retain the object in a positive connection and/or a frictional connection. The use of the gripper arm is particularly suitable for inserting the object into the die, since it can be used in combination with a plurality of other gripper arms, in particular, a sufficient freedom of movement for the tangential deflection of the object or for the pivoting movement of the gripper arms can still be ensured by spacing the individual gripper arms apart.

In a preferred embodiment, the gripper arm is a substantially rod-shaped component, preferably mounted radially on the second turret and having a retaining element arranged at its end facing away from the turret. Via the above-described guiding mechanism, the gripper arm is preferably influenced by a coupling movement of the coupling element or coupling member, in particular the coupling movement determines the radial displacement and the pivoting ability of the gripper arm.

For the purposes of the present invention, the retaining element can be considered as a preferred embodiment of a retaining means. The retaining element is preferably configured to retain an object in a form-fitting connection and/or a frictional connection manner. In this context, the retaining element preferably comprises mechanical, pneumatic, electropneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and/or magnetic components. Thus, the retaining element can be configured in such a way that it represents a gripper, for example, which retains an object in a frictionally connected manner. Alternatively, the retaining element can represent a means for generating a negative pressure and thus retaining an object in a frictionally connected manner. In this context, it is preferred that the gripper arm itself or in particular is configured in such a way that the retaining element can be adjusted in a height position such that the retaining element can accurately pick up and/or place at least one object.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the gripper arm is mechanically connected to the coupling element, preferably the coupling member, in such a way that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling element, preferably the coupling member, in connection with the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm. In particular, the direct, i.e. latency-free, transmission of the deflection entails a particularly good synchronization of the movement path of the gripper arm or of the object with the movement path of at least one die or its.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection of the gripper arm and the coupling element or coupling member preferably comprises a bolt which is oriented substantially orthogonally to the gripper arm and the coupling member, which is preferably horizontally aligned and radially mounted on the second turret. The bolt is used in particular to transmit forces from the coupling member to the gripper arm, such that the movement of the coupling member can be adjusted by the gripper arm. The bolt is preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm and the coupling element. (see Fig. 5)

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turret comprises a guide cam configured to guide the holding means included in the object holder into a height position. The guide curve is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turret such that the holding means (or preferably also the holding element) is force-controlled or guided along this guide cam. Guide cams of this type are also known, for example, for guiding upper and lower punches in rotary presses.

In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining element included in the gripper arm can be guided in a height position by a guide cam of the second turret.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder and the coupling element are elastically mounted on the second turret and can be guided into a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload, while the object holder and the coupling element can pivot tangentially relative to the rotation of the second turret from the radial starting position, preferably by an angle of at most 2°. Preferably, the object holder and the coupling element are rod-shaped and are therefore mounted on one side of the second turret. The rod-shaped element can now pivot such that, starting from the centre of the second turret, the end of the object holder or the coupling element performs an approximately tangential movement relative to the rotational movement of the second turret. The pivoting of the coupling element by at most about 2° is particularly advantageous in terms of a uniform coupling while maintaining a sufficiently efficient power transmission from the turret of the press (first turret) to the turret of the device (second turret).

In the radial starting position, it is advantageous if the object holder and the coupling element are pushed radially as far as possible and remain guided in this starting position by the spring preload. In this position, the object holder and the coupling element can pivot tangentially, so that when accepting the component, it is advantageous if the rotating component of the press can be picked up evenly only by first pivoting the coupling element, preferably by 2°, and then applying a force to the coupling element which drives the second turret.

Furthermore, the elastic mounting enables a particularly smooth and non-twitchy movement of the object holder and the coupling element, which means, among other things, that the object can be held particularly securely by the holding means or holding element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is such that the object holder and the coupling element can be moved to a pick-up position when the coupling element is in active contact with the first turret,

- The coupling member and the gripper arm are characterized in that they have a maximum possible radial deflection and tangential travel in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential travel in the gripping position are continuously reduced to a minimum over the rotation angle range of the second turret and then can be increased again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential travel.

An advantage of this embodiment is that in particular the coupling element or coupling member can reach the pick-up position from the starting position in a simplified manner. Due to the fact that the coupling element or coupling member has a tangential movement with respect to the rotation of the second turret in the starting position, the tangential movement preferably relates to an end portion of the coupling member, and a certain amount of play is present so that the coupling element or coupling member does not have to be moved exactly to the component to be picked up (e.g. the lower punch).

The gripper arm incorporated in the object holder preferably performs simultaneously the same radial and tangential movements as the coupling member. This simplifies the design of the device of the invention in particular, since on the one hand a simple mechanical guiding mechanism enables this movement of the gripper arm and on the other hand it simultaneously utilizes the fact that the component to be picked up, preferably the lower punch, already specifies the exact position of the die. As is known, the lower punch is arranged in the turret of the press machine in such a way that it is inserted into the die from below in a central position.

For the purposes of the present invention, the pick-up position is defined as the position of the object holder or the coupling element which is taken up by both device elements during the step when the coupling element is in active contact with the first turret, preferably when the coupling element or the coupling head is in contact with the lower punch of the pressing machine, or is also defined as the position sequence. The pick-up position can be changed continuously, and since the pick-up position preferably prevails over the entire rotational angle range in which the object synchronously intersects the travel path of the die, the pick-up position can also be referred to as the pick-up step. While in the pick-up position, the coupling element preferably comes into contact with a rotating component of the pressing machine. The turret of the pressing machine (the first turret) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret of the device according to the invention (the second turret). When the component, preferably the lower punch, comes into contact with the coupling element or the coupling head, the coupling element is accompanied, and during the accompanying, the component or the lower punch presses the coupling element radially against the rotational axis of the second turret until the coupling element reaches a minimum radial deflection. The object holder or gripper arm is understood to perform identical tangential and radial movements. The proposed device preferably represents a bearing for the coupling element which prevents or makes impossible the tangential movement at a minimum radial deflection. After the coupling element has reached the minimum radial deflection, a component of the setting machine, preferably the lower punch, continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling element. Meanwhile, a spring, preferably incorporated in the bearing, pushes the coupling element again towards the starting position at the minimum radial deflection, and the tangential movement increases again.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is between about 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between about 5 mm and 20 mm. Advantageously, the described difference values have been found to be sufficient to reproduce the movement path of the object with respect to at least one die of the press. In particular, the values of the radial deflection allow not only a flexible radial changeability, but also a stable guidance.

The radial starting position and the minimum radial deflection preferably refer to the radial position of the object holder or the gripper arm or the object and/or to the position of the coupling element or the coupling member or the coupling head. The initial radial position describes the position of the aforementioned device element with the largest possible outward displacement starting from the center of the second turret. On the other hand, the minimum deflection describes the smallest possible radial displacement starting from the center of the turret. In other words, the end portion of the aforementioned device element exhibits the largest distance from the turret center in the initial position, whereas the end portion exhibits the smallest distance at the minimum radial deflection. Preferably, the difference between the two positions can be between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, more preferably between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling member, the gripper arm and the mechanical connection are mounted on a second turret via a first spring element and a second spring element, wherein the first spring element preferably defines a radial starting position, whereas the second spring element defines a tangential movement via its rigidity. The first spring element may therefore also be referred to as a radial spring, whereas the second spring element is preferably a tangential spring. The provision of radial and tangential spring elements makes it possible in particular to engage components of the press with a particular curve accuracy. Furthermore, the springs enable the coupling element and the gripper arm to return to their starting position due to the applied preload after each rotation, so that further engagement is repeatedly possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the first spring element consists of a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring is connected by a mechanical connection such that the coupling element and the gripper arm are equally influenced by this spring. The first spring is preferably preloaded, so that a force acts on the coupling element, the gripper arm and the mechanical connection in the direction of their initial position. It is understood that the coil spring guides the coupling element, the gripper arm and the mechanical connection into the initial position. During the connection, a force is applied radially to the coil spring via the coupling element, so that the coil spring is compressed and the coupling element, the gripper arm and the mechanical connection are displaced radially in the direction of the turret center. Other preferred embodiments are also possible, in which a pneumatic spring and/or a constant pressure system are used instead of the coil spring.

In another preferred embodiment, the second spring element is a bending bar or a bending beam, which is mounted with one degree of freedom on one side of the sleeve element and is ultimately attached to the turret. The bending bar or the bending beam is thereby guided by the sleeve element. Preferably, the bending bar or the bending beam is attached to the end of the coupling element facing the turret and can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element. At the radial starting position of the coupling element, the bending bar or the bending beam is pushed out of the sleeve element as far as possible so that it bends when a bending moment acts. During engagement, the coupling element is subjected to a tangential force by a component of the press, preferably by the lower punch. This force generates a bending torque in the bending bar or the bending beam and causes a bending, by means of which the coupling element can pivot tangentially. Furthermore, during the pick-up process, the coupling element is pressed radially against the sleeve element, which makes it more difficult for the bending bar to be fully inserted into the sleeve element and thus no longer bendable. When the bending bar or beam can no longer bend, the tangential movement of the coupling element is also impossible. The tangential mobility is therefore determined by the stiffness of the bending bar or beam. The stiffer the bending bar, the lower the tangential mobility from the starting position, or the more force must be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second spring element is preferably a combination of a bending bar or a bending beam and a sleeve element, the sleeve element being preferably mounted in one degree of freedom on the bending bar or the bending beam. In contrast to the previously mentioned embodiments, the bending bar or the bending beam is preferably mounted radially immovably on the turret of the preferred device, whereas the sleeve element is preferably fixed to the coupling member. Furthermore, the sleeve element can accommodate the bending bar or the bending beam within itself and is thus guided movably over the bending bar or the bending beam, so that, as in the previously mentioned embodiments, the bending of the bending bar or the bending beam is made more difficult (see also FIG. 5 ).

In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turret has a rotational angular range of at least about 10°, preferably at least about 20°, in which the movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the at least one object holder. The rotational angular range is preferably defined by the intersection of the movement path of the die and the movement path of the object. If this cannot be controlled tangentially or radially, the object would continue to rotate around its starting position around the second rotational axis. The specified rotational angular range is already sufficient to control the object in such a way that the object can be positioned precisely in the at least one die.

The values and parameters described in this document, and all other parameters, are preferably not exact parameters, but parameters that take "approximately" these values or parameters.

Terms like "substantially", "approximately", "about", "approximately" etc. describe a tolerance of preferably less than ± 40%, preferably less than ± 20%, particularly preferably less than ± 10%, even more preferably less than ± 5% and in particular less than ± 1% and always include the exact value. "Similar" preferably describes a "roughly the same" quantity. "Partial" preferably describes at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, and especially at least 20% and in some cases at least 40%.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a system comprising:

a. A die press comprising at least one die arranged on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate about a first rotational axis, and

b. A device of the above-described type for inserting at least one object into at least one die of the pressing machine.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages, technical effects and preferred embodiments described in the context of the device according to the present invention are similarly applicable to the system according to the present invention. Likewise, all the advantages, technical effects and preferred embodiments described in the context of the system can be transferred to the device.

As already explained in the context of the device according to the invention, the gripper arm is preferably arranged in such a way that it can not only move up and down, but also radially and tangentially relative to the rotational movement of the turret. The upward and downward movements are preferably force-controlled by a cam. On the other hand, the radial and tangential movements of the gripper arm are also force-controlled by a mechanical connection with the die or the lower punch. This ensures that the die and the gripper arm move in a forcibly guided manner in uninterrupted synchronization with each other during the mechanical connection. When not connected to the turret, the gripper arm is held in a defined position by a spring. The same can similarly be applied to the process of separating and picking up the object to be inserted. In this way, the available distance or time range in which the picking up or insertion can take place is increased.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system

a. The coupling element of the second turret is in active contact with the driving first turret to initiate and/or ensure rotational movement of the second turret;

b. At least one object holder comprises a holding means that allows at least one object to be picked up, carried and released;

c. The movement path of the object overlaps with the movement path of the die, and the movement path of at least one object can be controlled in the radial and tangential directions with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret, so that the movement path of the at least one object mimics the movement path of the at least one die over at least a rotational angle range of the second turret, and the object holder is characterized in that it is configured to release the at least one object into the die.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system comprises a coupling member having a rod-shaped coupling head, the object holder comprising a gripper arm having a holding element,

The gripper arm and the coupling member are elastically mounted on the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turret by means of a spring preload, while the gripper arm and the coupling member are freely movable in the tangential direction relative to the rotation of the second turret from the radial starting position.

The gripper arm and the coupling member can be moved into a pick-up position when the coupling member is in active contact with the first turret,

- The coupling member and the gripper arm are characterized in that they have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential travel in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential travel in the pick-up position are continuously reduced to a minimum over the rotation angle range of the second turret and then can be increased again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential travel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to inserting at least one object into at least one die of a press machine using a device of the type described above or a system according to the type described above. The use of the preferred device and the preferred system for inserting the object will appear to a person skilled in the art to be a departure from the prior art which primarily uses devices capable of producing only a radial change in the path of movement of the object.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, but is not limited thereto.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the interaction between the desired device and the desired trigger.
Figure 2 is a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a further schematic representation of the interaction between the preferred device and the die, in particular the interaction between the preferred coupling element and the preferred shank of the lower punch,
Figure 4 is a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention and a preferred setting device.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a further cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention;
Figure 7 is a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, in particular a representation of the pick-up of an object by a preferred object holder.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the interaction between a preferred device (1) and a press machine (2). In particular, the preferred device (1) is configured to insert at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of the press machine (2). Within the press machine (2), the die (5) is preferably arranged in a reference circle of a turret which is driven to rotate around a first rotation axis (8). In contrast, the device (1) shows a second turret which can rotate around a second rotation axis (9). The second turret comprises at least one object holder (7) with holding means which makes it possible to pick up, transport and release at least one object (6). The object holder (7) with holding means preferably consists of a gripper arm (13) (shown in another figure) and a holding element (14) (shown in another figure). The gripper arm (13) is preferably mounted radially on the second turret, and the holding element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object in a form-fitting and/or frictionally connected manner.

The movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via at least one object holder (7) (the radial and tangential movements of the object are illustrated by double arrows), so that the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can mimic the movement path (4) of at least one die (5) at least over the rotational angle range of the second turret.

Fig. 2 illustrates a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a device (1) according to the invention. In particular, the device (1) shows a turret (second turret) comprising a plurality of object holders (7). The object holders (7) are preferably each actively connected to a coupling element (10). Furthermore, the object holders (7) preferably comprise a gripper arm (13) with a holding element (14). The gripper arm (13) is radially mounted on the turret of the preferred device (1), the holding element (14) being preferably configured to hold an object (6) (not shown in Fig. 2) in a form-fitting and/or frictionally connected manner. On the other hand, the coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) with a coupling head (11). The coupling member (12) is also radially mounted on one side of the turret of the preferred device (1). In this context, the coupling member (12) is aligned such that the coupling head (11) points radially outward. The coupling head (11) is preferably structurally adapted to a component of a turret (a first turret [not shown in FIG. 2]) of the press machine (2). This allows the coupling head (11) to engage with a component of the turret of the press machine (2), so that the rotational movement of the turret of the press machine (2) can be transmitted to the turret of the device (1). Preferably, the coupling head (12) has a fork shape, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the press machine (2), so that the fork can receive the shank of the lower punch (15).

The active connection between the object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) is configured in such a way that the gripper arm (13) is connected to the coupling element (12), preferably via a guide mechanism. The gripper arm (13) and the coupling element (12) are mechanically connected in such a way that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling element (12) in connection with the rotational movement of the turret of the device (1) can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13). The coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection are also preferably mounted on the turret of the device (1) according to the invention via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18) (see in particular FIG. 5), wherein the first spring element (17) preferably determines the radial starting position and the second spring element (18) determines the tangential movement via its rigidity.

Fig. 3 shows a further schematic representation of the interaction between the preferred device (1) and the preferred tablet press (2), and in particular the interaction between the preferred coupling element (10) and the preferred shank of the lower punch (15). Each preferred coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11), the coupling member (12) being preferably mounted radially on one side of the turret of the preferred device (1). The coupling member (12) is oriented such that the coupling head (11) points radially outwardly. It is to be understood that the preferred tablet press (2) represents at least one lower punch comprising a shank (15) for producing tablets. The lower punch (or its shank (15) as well) is preferably arranged in the turret of the tablet press (2) in such a way that it rotates together with the turret and can be inserted into the die (5) (not shown in Fig. 3) from below so as to be centrally positioned. The turret (first turret) of the pressing machine (2) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret (second turret) of the device (1).

Preferably, the coupling head (11) has a fork shape, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the die-cutting machine (2), so that the fork can receive the shank of the lower punch (15). When the shank of the lower punch (15) comes into contact with the coupling head (11), the coupling member (12) is accompanied, and during the accompanying, the shank of the lower punch (15) presses the coupling head (11) and the coupling member (12) radially with respect to the rotation axis (9) of the second turret until the coupling member (12) reaches a minimum radial deflection. As explained in connection with FIG. 2 , the object holder (7) or the gripper arm (13) and the coupling element (10) or the coupling member (12) are connected to each other via a guide mechanism, so that the object holder (7) or the gripper arm (13) perform the same radial movement (not shown in FIG. 3 ).

The proposed device (1) also preferably represents a bearing for the coupling element (12) which limits or prevents a tangential movement at a minimum radial deflection. After the coupling element (12) has reached a minimum with respect to the radial deflection, the lower punch continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling head (11) or the coupling element (12) tangentially with its shank (15). In the context of the present invention, this is also referred to as a coupling, wherein the rotary movement of the turret of the die-setting machine (2) can be transferred to the turret of the device (1). The radial and tangential deflections of the coupling element (10) or of the coupling element (12) are also preferably regarded as coupling movements. The tangential movement of the coupling element (10) or of the coupling element (12) is also preferably transferred to the object holder (7) or the gripper arm (13) via the aforementioned guiding mechanism.

Fig. 4 shows a section of a preferred embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention and a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred tablet press (2). Preferably, a conventional rotary tablet press can be used as the tablet press (2), which is designed in particular for pressing single-layer or multi-layer tablets. The rotary tablet press can advantageously be expanded in a simple manner with the preferred device (1), so that cores or objects can be pressed into the pellets to be produced. It is understood that at least one die (5) (not visible in Fig. 4) is arranged in a reference circle of a turret which is driven to rotate about a first rotation axis (8) in the rotary tablet press, while the preferred device (1) comprises a second turret which rotates about a second rotation axis (9). In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis (8) of the first turret (i.e. the turret of the tablet press (2)) is arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second turret (9) (i.e. the turret of the preferred device (1)). In this regard, the second turret can advantageously be positioned subsequently in such a way that the preferred device (1) can insert at least one object (6) (not shown in figure 4) into at least one die (5). The device (1) can therefore preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary press.

The turret of the press machine (2) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret of the device (1). Furthermore, the coupling head (11), which is respectively referred to as a coupling element (10) together with the coupling member (12), grips the shank of the lower punch (15) of the press machine (2). Therefore, the rotational movement of the turret of the press machine (2) is preferably transmitted to the turret of the device (1). Furthermore, the coupling member (12) is preferably mechanically connected to the gripper arm (13) via a guide mechanism, so that the radial and/or tangential movement (coupling movement) of the coupling member (10) or of the coupling member (12) is transmitted to the gripper arm (13) via the guide mechanism (details of the connection of the coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13) are illustrated in FIG. 5).

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a device (1) according to the invention. In particular, a guide mechanism is shown, which is configured to actively connect an object holder (7) with a coupling element (10). The coupling element (10) can assume a coupling movement by contacting (the contact process is preferably also referred to as coupling) a first turret (a turret of the press (2)) and, via the object holder (7) and the guide mechanism, can deflect a movement path (3) (not shown, see Fig. 1) of an object (6) (not shown, see Fig. 1) in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e. in the form of a coupling movement, in the radial and tangential direction in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret (the turret of the preferred device (1)).

The coupling element (10) preferably consists of a coupling member (12) and a coupling head (11), whereas the object holder (7) comprises a gripper arm (13) and a holding element (14). The coupling element (10) is preferably mounted on one side of the second turret, the coupling element (12) being aligned in such a way that the coupling head (11) points radially outwardly and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret. The gripper arm (13) is provided with a holding element (14) (together considered as the object holder (7)) which is also preferably mounted radially on the second turret, the holding element (14) being preferably configured to hold the object (6) in a form-fitting and/or frictionally connected manner. The gripper arm (13) is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling member (12) (guide mechanism) in such a way that the tangential and radial deflections of the coupling member (12) in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13).

In this regard, the mechanical connection of the gripper arm (13) and the coupling member (12) preferably comprises a horizontally aligned gripper arm (13) mounted radially on the second turret and a bolt (16) oriented substantially orthogonally to the coupling member (12). The bolt (16) serves in particular to transmit forces from the coupling member (12) to the gripper arm (13) such that the movement of the coupling member (12) can be adjusted by the gripper arm (13). The bolt (16) is preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm (13) and the coupling member (12).

The coupling element (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection (in particular the bolt (16)) are preferably also mounted on the second turret via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18). In this context, the first spring element (17) preferably determines the radial starting position, whereas the second spring element (18) preferably determines the tangential movement of the coupling element (12) and the gripper arm (13) via its rigidity.

The first spring element (17) is preferably designed as a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring is connected in particular by a mechanical connection at the bolt (16), so that the coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13) are equally influenced by this spring. The first spring (17) is preferably preloaded, so that a force is exerted on the coupling element (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt (16), in the direction of their radial starting position.

The coil spring is understood to guide the coupling member (12), the gripping arm (13) and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt (16) into the initial position. During the joining process, a force is applied radially to the coil spring via the coupling member (12), so that the coil spring is compressed and the coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt (16), are displaced radially in the direction of the turret center.

Furthermore, the second spring element (18) is preferably a combination of a bending bar or bending beam (19) and a sleeve element (20), the sleeve element (20) being preferably mounted in one degree of freedom to the bending bar or bending beam (19). The bending bar or bending beam (19) is preferably mounted radially on the turret of the preferred device (1), while the sleeve element (20) is preferably screw-fastened to the coupling member (12) and accommodates the bending bar or bending beam (19). The sleeve element (20) is guided in a correspondingly movable manner over the bending bar or bending beam (19).

Preferably, the sleeve element (20) is attached to the end of the coupling member (12) facing the turret, and the bending bar or beam (19) can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element (20). At the radial starting position of the coupling element (12), the bending bar or beam (19) is pushed out of the sleeve element (20) as far as possible, so that it bends when a bending torque is applied. During engagement, the coupling member (12) is subjected to a tangential force by a component of the press (2), preferably by the shank of the lower punch (15). This force generates a bending torque in the bending bar or beam (19) and causes bending, so that the coupling member (12) can pivot tangentially. Additionally, the bending bar or bending beam (19) is pressed radially into the sleeve element (20) during the gripping process of the coupling element (12), which makes it more difficult to bend until the bending bar (19) is fully inserted into the sleeve element (20) and no further bending is possible. Once the bending bar or bending beam (19) can no longer be bent, the tangential movement of the coupling element (12) is also no longer possible. The tangential mobility is therefore determined by the stiffness of the bending bar or bending beam (19). The stiffer the bending bar (19), the lower the tangential mobility of the coupling element (12) in the starting position, or preferably, more force must be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

Preferably, the retaining element (14) should be considered as an embodiment of a retaining means. The retaining element (14) is preferably configured to pick up, hold and/or release the object (6). Furthermore, the retaining element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object (6) for transport over approximately half a rotation of the second turret and to release the object into the die (5) in a region where the travel path (3) of the object (6) intersects the travel path (4) of the die (5) (see also FIG. 1). Preferably, the retaining element (14) can be activated/controlled sufficiently fast to be able to pick up the object (6) in a fixed position even at high rotational speeds of the second turret. Thus, the retaining element (14) can be configured to represent, for example, a gripper that holds the object (6) in a frictionally connected manner. Alternatively, the retaining element (14) can represent a means for generating a negative pressure and holding the object (6) in a frictionally connected manner. In this context, it is advantageous if the gripper arm (13) is configured such that the holding element (14) can be adjusted in a height position such that it can pick up and/or place the object (6) precisely, either by itself or in particular by the holding element (14). For example, the second turret represents a guide cam (21). The holding element (14) is advantageously connected to the guide cam (21) via a transmission element (22), which then guides or force-controls the holding element (14) into the height position. The guide cam (21) is preferably arranged circumferentially in the second turret, so that the holding element (14) is force-controlled or guided along this guide cam (21). Such guide cams (21) are also known from rotary presses for guiding upper and lower punches, for example.

Fig. 6 illustrates a further sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention. In particular, the engagement of the coupling element (10) of the turret of the device (1) is exemplified by the shank of the lower punch (15) of the turret of the press machine (2). The coupling element (10) preferably comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11). Preferably, the coupling head (12) has a fork shape, which preferably corresponds to the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the press machine (2), such that the fork can receive the shank of the lower punch (15).

Furthermore, the gripper arm (13) is preferably connected to the coupling member (12) via a guide mechanism. The gripper arm (13) and the coupling member (12) are preferably mechanically connected in such a way that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member (12) in connection with the rotational movement of the turret of the device (1) can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13). The coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection are mounted on a second turret via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18) (not shown), wherein the first spring element (17) preferably determines the radial starting position of the coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13). Furthermore, the turret of the device (1) preferably exhibits a guide cam (21) which guides a retaining element (14) attached to the gripper arm (13) into a height position. The retaining element (14) is actively connected to the guide cam (21) via the transmission element (22), which guides or force-controls the retaining element (14) to a height position. The guide cam (21) is preferably arranged circumferentially in the second turret.

Fig. 7 shows a three-dimensional drawing of a preferred embodiment of the device (1) according to the present invention, and in particular shows a representation of the pick-up operation of an object (6) by a preferred object holder (7). In order to insert an object (6) into the die (5) of the press (2), it is essential that the preferred object holder (7) first picks up the object (6) from the object storage.

For the purposes of the present invention, the object holder (7) is preferably mounted radially on the turret of the preferred device (1) and is capable of picking up an object (6) from an object storage. Subsequently, the object holder (7) transports the object (6) over substantially half a rotation of the second turret and finally transfers the object (6) preferably to a die (5) of the die press (2). The object holder (7) and the die (5) as well as the two turrets of the preferred device (1) and the die press (2) are adjusted in such a way that the object (6) can be introduced into the die (5) at a precise position (in particular via the radial and tangential controllability of the object (6) or the object holder (7)).

The object storage preferably consists of a feeder, in particular a conveyor belt. With respect to the second turret, the object storage preferably exists approximately opposite the position at which the objects (6) are introduced into at least one die (5), so that the object holder (7) holds or transports the objects (6) over approximately 180° of rotation of the second turret. The object holder (7) is preferably configured to individually pick up the objects (6) and provide them to the die (5).

The coupling element (10) preferably does not have a function for picking up the object (6). However, it is also possible that the coupling element (10) also picks up the object (6) by picking up a component from a supply unit, such as a transport wheel. Furthermore, as already mentioned in the description above, the object holder (7) preferably comprises a gripper arm (13) with a holding element (14), the holding element (14) being guided in height via a transfer element (22) and a guide cam (21).

1 Desirable Device
2 tablets
3. The movement path of at least one object
4 At least one die's movement path
5 dice
6 objects
7 Object Holder
8 Rotation axis of the first rotary drive turret
9 Rotation axis of the second rotatable turret
10 Coupling Elements
11 Coupling Head
12 Absence of coupling
13 gripper arm
14 Maintenance Elements
15 Shank of lower punch
16 volts
17 1st spring element
18 Second spring element
19 Bending bar or bending beam
20 sleeve elements
21 Control cam to guide height position
22 Transmission elements for guiding height positions

Claims (15)

A device (1) for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a press (2), wherein at least one die (5) is arranged on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate about a first rotation axis (8);
- The device (1) includes a second turret rotatable around a second rotation axis (9);
- In a device (1), wherein the second turret comprises at least one object holder (7), and at least one object holder (7) comprises a holding means enabling at least one object (6) to be picked up, transported and released.
A device (1), characterized in that the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret via at least one object holder (7), so that the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can mimic the movement path (4) of at least one die (5) at least over the rotational angle range of the second turret. In the first paragraph,
The second turret comprises a coupling element (10), the coupling element (10)
- initiates and/or ensures rotational movement of the second turret through active contact with the driving first turret;
- A device (1), characterized in that it is configured to mechanically force-control the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) via at least one object holder (7) over at least a rotational angle range of a second turret. In the second paragraph,
A device (1), characterized in that at least one object holder (7) is actively connected to a coupling element (10) via a guide mechanism, the coupling element (10) being capable of assuming a coupling movement via active contact with the first turret, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be deflected in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e. radially and tangentially in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret via the at least one object holder (7) and the guide mechanism in the form of a coupling movement. In one or both of paragraphs 2 and 3,
A device (1), characterized in that the coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11), the coupling member (12) is mounted on one side of the second turret, the coupling member (12) is aligned such that the coupling head (11) points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first turret, and the coupling head (11) is engageable with the component of the first turret such that a rotational movement of the first turret can be transmitted. In paragraph 4,
A device (1), characterized in that the coupling head (11) preferably includes a fork whose shank diameter matches the shank diameter of the lower punch (15) of the first turret, such that the fork can receive the shank of the lower punch (15). In one or more of claims 1 to 5,
Device (1), characterized in that the object holder (7) comprises a gripper arm (13) having a retaining element (14) radially mounted on a second turret, the retaining element (14) being preferably configured to retain the object in a form-fitting and/or frictionally connected manner. In one or more of claims 2 to 6,
Device (1), characterized in that the gripper arm (13) is mechanically connected to the coupling element (10), preferably the coupling member (12), in such a way that the tangential and radial deflections of the coupling element (10), preferably the coupling member (12), can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13) in connection with the rotary movement of the second turret. In one or more of claims 1 to 7,
A device (1), characterized in that the second turret comprises a guide cam (21) configured to guide the holding means included in the object holder (7) to a height position. In one or more of claims 2 to 8,
Device (1), characterized in that the object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) are elastically mounted on the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload, while the object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) can pivot tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second turret from the radial starting position, preferably through an angle of at most 2°. In Article 9,
The object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) can be moved to the pick-up position when the coupling element (12) is in active contact with the first turret,
- The coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13) have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential travel in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential travel in the pick-up position can be continuously reduced to a minimum over the rotation angle range of the second turret and then increased again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential travel,
A device (1), characterized in that the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm. In one or more of claims 1 to 10,
The coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection are mounted on the second turret via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18), preferably
A device (1), characterized in that the first spring element (17) determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element determines the tangential movement through its stiffness. In one or more of claims 1 to 11,
A device (1), characterized in that the rotational angle range of the second turret, in which the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via at least one object holder (7), is at least 10°, preferably at least 20°. It is a system,
a. A die press (2) including at least one die (5) arranged on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate around a first rotation axis, and
b. A system comprising a device (1) as described in one or more of claims 1 to 12, for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a die press (2). In Article 13,
a. The coupling element (10) of the second turret is in active contact with the driving first turret to initiate and/or ensure rotational movement of the second turret;
b. At least one object holder (7) comprises a holding means enabling at least one object (6) to be picked up, carried and released;
c. A system characterized in that the movement path (3) of the object (6) intersects the movement path (4) of the die (5), and the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) can be controlled in the radial and tangential direction with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret, so that the movement path (3) of at least one object (6) mimics the movement path (4) of at least one die (5) at least over the rotational angle range of the second turret, and the object holder (7) is configured to release at least one object (6) into the die (5). A use of a device (1) as described in one or more of claims 1 to 12 or a system as described in one or more of claims 13 or 14, for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a die press (2).

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